," answered the herald. "Does a buck walk into an open pit? Were
the prince to come here it might chance that your spears would talk with
him. Let Nodwengo follow me to the camp yonder, where we promise him
safe conduct."

"Not so," answered Hokosa. "'Does a buck walk into an open pit?' Set out
your message, and we will consider it."

"Nay, I am but a common man without authority; but I am charged to make
you another offer, and if you will not hear it then there is an end.
Let Hokosa advance alone to that flat rock you see yonder, and there he
shall be met, also alone, by one having power to talk with him, namely,
by the Lady Noma, who was once his wife. Thus they can confer together
midway between the camps and in full sight of both of them, nor, no man
being near, can he find cause to be afraid of an unarmed girl. What say
you?"

Hokosa turned and talked with the king.

"I think it well that you should not go," said Nodwengo. "The offer
seems fair, and the stone is out of reach of their spears; still,
behind it may lurk a scheme to kill or capture you, for Hafela is very
cunning."

"It may be so, King," answered Hokosa; "still, my heart tells me it is
wisest that I should do this thing, for our case is desperate, and if I
do it not, that may be the cause of the death of all of us to-morrow.
At the worst, I am but one man, and it matters little what may chance to
me; nor shall I come to any harm unless it is the will of Heaven that it
should be so; and be sure of this, that out of the harm will arise good,
for where I go there the spirit of the Messenger goes with me. Remember
that he bade you listen to my counsel while I remain with you, seeing
that I do not speak of my own wisdom. Therefore let me go, and if it
should chance that I am taken, trouble not about the matter, for thus it
will be fated to some great end. Above all, though often enough I have
been a traitor in the past, do not dream that I betray you, keeping in
mind that so to do would be to betray my own soul, which very soon must
render its account on high."

"As you will, Hokosa," answered the king. "And now tell those rebel dogs
that on these terms only will I make peace with them--that they withdraw
across the mountains by the path which their women and children have
taken, leaving this land for ever without lifting another spear against
us. If they will do this, notwithstanding all the wickedness and
slaughter that they have worked, I will sen